Leeds defender Pearce: Man City players deserve the jeers

Pearce has hit out at Roberto Mancini's men and the ­Premier League's top players for not knowing what 'real' football is like.

Pearce said: "The top players don't know how well they have got it ­sometimes. I had to scratch around for money at times at ­Portsmouth last season.

"I am still owed some money by ­Portsmouth and I know a lot of ­players from last season are as well.

"I am willing to take a percentage cut of that to help them out. I want to help them in any way I can but I don't think little amounts like that would help them at the minute.

"And that is the difference between the Premier League and the rest of ­football. The problems they have got there are unbelievable and it is so sad to see. We had to take wage ­deferrals and some months we didn't get paid, borrowing money to get by.

"I bet Manchester City's players have never had to worry about things like that. It is a different world to what I'm used to. It is a different world they live in. They work hard for their money but they have to realise the fans who come and watch are paying their huge ­wages.

"That is why I think fans are ­entitled to their opinions in booing players and getting on their backs."